Lynsey Houstoun, head of Seven Stars Primary School, on Peacock Hall Road, Leyland, admitted the children were 'absolutely devastated' at the latest theft, in which expensive equipment was taken.

A brand new Nintendo Wii and Playstation console were amongst items stolen.

They had been bought using funds raised by the pupils themselves from fun days and school events.

Ms Houstoun said: "The school council saved up for the games consoles and they were part of the school behaviour rewards system.

"I just think it's really disappointing. I look at our schoolchildren and hope what we do with them will instil some sort of pride in the school to take them forward.

"We spoke about it when I had to break the news that the consoles had gone.

"We talked about the feelings associated with that and the children spoke about feeling sad, it not being fair, and in terms of the impact theft has and the people it affects."

Among the haul taken by the thief were three school laptops, a digital camera and old mobile phones.

Ms Houstoun re-assured parents that none of the equipment contained any sensitive data.

However, Seven Stars has had to shell out £1,500 to replace all three laptops out of the school budget.

Ms Houstoun said: "It is the third break-in we've had this year, we are constantly paying out. But as part of the building's development, systems are being reviewed and updated to improve security."

Despite the school being left with another bill and the stolen equipment not being recovered, the teenage offender responsible for the theft was given a six-month supervision order at South Ribble Youth Court on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old from Leyland, who can't be named, was told to pay £43 court costs and £40 compensation.Ms Houstoun added: "It is disappointing. It doesn't go anyway towards paying back the school for the inconvenience and loss of goods.
"It is not even the cost of two games for the Wii."

For the full story see this week's Leyland Guardian - out now